We know her face from film posters, TV, and the stage - yet many viewers still feel they don’t truly know her. That’s exactly where the documentary Emília begins: not as a quick career summary, but as a sensitive portrait of an artist who has shaped Slovak and Czech theatre, film, and television for decades.
Written and directed by Martin Šulík, the film builds a mosaic from colleagues’ memories, friends’ testimonies, and valuable archival footage. Emília Vášáryová also allows the filmmakers into her private world, speaking openly about acting, memory, and the people who mattered most.
More than a biography - a portrait of a cultural generation
One of the film’s strengths is that it gradually becomes more than a biography. It also feels like a portrait of a whole generation of Slovak artists whose work shaped cultural awareness across decades.
Films you may know Emília Vášáryová from
If you keep thinking “I’ve seen her somewhere,” here’s a quick guide to well known titles across different eras:
The Cassandra Cat (Až přijde kocour)
A Jester's Tale (Bláznova kronika)
The Living Scourge (Živý bič)
The Dragon Returns (Drak sa vracia)
Cosy Dens (Pelíšky)
Up and Down (Horem pádem)
Beauty in Trouble (Kráska v nesnázích)
Václav
Eva Nová
Masaryk
Tátova volha
It’s a reminder of her remarkable range - from classics and poetic dramas to modern films that became true audience favourites.Blu-ray release - great for international viewers
Great news for collectors: Emília is available on Blu-ray in the Slovak Film Institute’s edition line.
The release is also international-friendly thanks to subtitle options:
- audio: Slovak (Dolby Digital 2.0)
- subtitles: English and Slovak, including Slovak subtitles for the hearing-impaired
If you’re looking for a documentary that feels respectful, honest, and cinematic rather than “museum-like,” Emília is a beautiful choice.
More Czech film stories are coming soon - and if you subscribe to our newsletter, you’ll get them first.
